How to clean toys in childcare

Mouthed toys

Set aside toys a child has put in their mouth and clean them before another child uses them — a "to be cleaned" tub makes this easy.

How to clean

• Wash hard toys in warm water and detergent, rinse and air dry.
• Use a dishwasher for suitable toys if your service allows it.
• Wash soft toys and dress-ups in the washing machine on a regular schedule.
• Disinfect only when your policy requires it, such as during an outbreak, and rinse toys afterwards.

During an outbreak

Increase cleaning, consider removing toys that are hard to clean, and follow your service's outbreak plan.